So bloody annoyed with the housing benefit people. I told them Matt had a new job so they can change our claim, got the new claim back and it's been backdated to May. Apparently this is because of the changes to our tax credits in May and for some reason they didn't process it then, I don't really get what's happened, something to do with an automated system that didn't work something out. Now I owe them £667 and no longer get any benefit. Fair enough I don't get any housing benefit as Matt is earning more, I don't expect it but telling me I owe £667 a few days before Christmas is just annoying. Luckily I was able to set up a payment plan but it's going to take over a year to pay it off with the amount I can afford a month.
I'm not allowed to have arrears if I want to move house with the house swap thing, I'm just hoping this doesn't count as my rent has always been paid to the housing association, it's just the council account that is messed up.

What really annoys me is that even though Matt has had a big pay rise, we are actually going to really struggle now. So I'm moving 2hrs away from my family &friends for Matt's job when actually we're going to be worse off. It's a really stupid system if we're a hell of a lot better off on benefits.

I think it's time I started looking for a job. In a way I'll be quite happy to do something, to get a bit of independence and to stop feeling so useless at home but in another sense, I'm absolutely terrified.

Ah that is crap. I wouldnt of thought you'd hqve anything put against yoy as you've entered a payment plan so you are paying them back. Im not 100% sure on that though.
Its hard going back to work but like you say it gives you independance and does make you feel more human as you get to keep in touch with the outside world! Saying that im trying not to go back this time, really dont like my job anymore and theyve mafe that many changes think theyre wanting to make me redundant but waiting for me to say im not going back, which i wont do, ill have 2 go back for 2 months at least else id have to pay back the extra money they gave whn i was on mat leave xx

That is terrible Michelle! Id be so annoyed/upset if I owed that amount of money & it wasnt by my own doing. £667 is a lot of money. It wouldalso take me a year to pay that back and not struggle too much. I suppose the payment plan is a blessing but still horrible to have hanging over you, yet another bill to pay .

Im shitting myself financially atm too. Stuart may lose his job in Feb and tbh the chances of him getting another one are slim to nil, with his disability, sick record, no qualifications Im not holding my breath.

Im applying for full time jobs atm, the latest one there is 5 jobs and 200 applicants... im scared about the interview as dont have much confidence in the workplace since having Caitlin. Im also worried about housing, TC etc when I do start work but when I rang TC it did sound like I would be better off working - not by loads as Id have to pay full rent but I think Id feel more secure earning my own money eg not so much the govt can mess up and also I think benefits are going to be cut in the near future.

I think it would do us both good to work, make new friends and get out of the house (Iv only been out once to Tesco since last thur, Caitlin got out with her aunty on Mon though). My world really is Caitlin, Cbeebies, internet forums, cleaning & chatting to my mum/a friend on phone in evening. All I have to talk about is Caitlin,TV or the weather .

Dont be too hard on yourself if you dont manage to get a job, you are pg so it may be harder for you. If you could fit 26 weeks work in before baby arrives it would be an advantage... as far as I know if you worrk 26 out off the 66 weeks before baby is born you are entitled to maternity allowance. You prob wont be entitled to SMP as you have to be working there before you fall pg.

2hrs away isnt really that far (ha, well actually id be pooping myself a bit too, trying to be positive!) People could drive up for the weekend, or even the day. You could take immi to stay with your mum/sis for a few days every month. It will work out.

Ps Iv a ticket for Euromillions on xmas eve... if I win over 10k I promise to send you a cheque for £700

i know how you feel hun its crap isnt it?

they used to over pay us time to time as they were slow in sorting out changes, but luckly they would only take 15 quid a week awasy at a time x